Nuts and Volts - August 2015

ball, and a cycle life of 500,000 insertions. The self inductance of the contactor is 0.98 nH, insertion loss < 1 dB at 21. 9 GHz. The current capacity of each contactor is four amps at 30°C temperature rise. Socket temperature range is - 55°C to +180°C.

The socket also features a floating guide for precise ball to pin alignment and a Bluetooth electronic module integrated into the top portion of the socket (compression plate). A thermo couple sensor is brought down from the electronic circuitry to the internal socket cavity where the BGA is placed. When the BGA is placed and compressed against a printed circuit board (PCB) via the contact element, the thermo couple touches the top BGA surface.

Power is applied to the BGA to start its function. As the BGA starts functioning, heat is generated. This heat is sensed by the thermocouple and fed to the electronic circuitry where it is processed, then the temperature is displayed via a Bluetooth mobile app. The app monitors temperature continuously and provides results in graphical format. This feature is very useful for testing during BGA characterization. All BGA sockets can be integrated with this smart feature depending on space availability. Custom features can be added to any of the company’s standard BGA sockets, as well. Contact Ironwood Electronics for a price quote.

PIC32 HARMONY SOFTWARE

DECODER FRAMEWORK

Microchip Technology, Inc., now has available the PIC32 Harmony Software Decoder Framework and Microsoft Windows Media Audio (WMA) Decoder Library for 32-bit PIC32 microcontroller (MCU)-based consumer-audio application development within the MPLAB® Harmony Integrated Software Framework. The WMA Decoder Library includes a new modular framework for audio decoders including support for MP3 and AAC, allowing for easier audio application development.

Microchip’s Audio Decoder Framework allows for audio software codecs to be easily added to a PIC32 design project. Rather than having to rewrite large sections of application code, the framework allows for easier integration into an existing customer application after the corresponding decoder library has been purchased. The WMA Decoder increases the depth of the library for PIC32 MCU-supported audio decoders, in addition to MP3 and AAC. This increases the range of audio formats that designers can choose to support.

The audio decoder framework within the Harmony environment allows designers to easily add, subtract, and switch among various software-based audio decoders. Additionally, including a WMA decoder gives developers an even wider set of options and support for audio playback.

The WMA Decoder Library is targeted for low cost applications in consumer markets such as audio docks, home audio receivers, and automotive head units. It gives developers added flexibility in decoder options that play back from internal or removable media. The addition of a WMA Decoder Library further expands the audio application flexibility of PIC32-based designs, building upon existing USB and Bluetooth streaming audio solutions.

The Microsoft WMA Decoder Library (part #s SW320015 and SW320025-1HPM, $199.97 and $199.00) is supported by Microchip’s free MPLAB Harmony Integrated Software Framework and PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Development Kit (part V320032, $199.99), all of which are available now.